Rule2025-18761
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
September 26, 2025
Effective
October 31, 2025
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus SAS Model A300 series airplanes; Model A300 B4-600, B4- 600R, and F4-600R series airplanes, and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called Model A300-600 series airplanes); and Model A310 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by investigations that found cracks on the main deck cargo door (MDCD) actuator bearing fitting caused by fatigue. This AD requires an operational limitation to the MDCD opening angle, repetitive detailed visual inspection (DET) of the MDCD actuator bearing fittings, and replacement if any cracks are found. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 90 Issue 185 (Friday, September 26, 2025)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 185 (Friday, September 26, 2025)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 46338-46340]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2025-18761]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2024-2556; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00247-T;
Amendment 39-23146; AD 2025-19-06]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Airbus SAS Model A300 series airplanes; Model A300 B4-600, B4-
600R, and F4-600R series airplanes, and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F
airplanes (collectively called Model A300-600 series airplanes); and
Model A310 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by investigations
that found cracks on the main deck cargo door (MDCD) actuator bearing
fitting caused by fatigue. This AD requires an operational limitation
to the MDCD opening angle, repetitive detailed visual inspection (DET)
of the MDCD actuator bearing fittings, and replacement if any cracks
are found. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition
on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective October 31, 2025.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of October 31,
2025.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2024-2556; or in person at Docket Operations between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD
docket contains this final rule, the mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The
address for Docket Operations is U.S. Department of Transportation,
Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
<bullet> For European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) material
identified in this AD, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668
Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#6425201724010517054a0111160b14054a0111"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="0a4b4e794a6f6b796b246f7f78657a6b246f7f">[email protected]</span></a>.
You may find this material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
<bullet> You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the
FAA, call 206-231-3195. It is also available at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2024-2556.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joshua Y. Baek, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 562-
627-6725; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#1973766a716c783760377b787c72597f7878377e766f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f79d98849f8296d98ed99596929cb7919696d9909881">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Airbus SAS
Model A300 series, A300-600 series, and A310 series airplanes. The NPRM
was published in the Federal Register on December 13, 2024 (89 FR
100926). The NPRM was prompted by AD 2024-0092R1, dated July 10, 2024
(EASA AD 2024-0092R1) (also referred to as the MCAI), issued by EASA,
which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European
Union. The MCAI states that investigations found cracks on the MDCD
actuator bearing fitting caused by fatigue. There is no unsafe
condition during flight when the cargo door is fully closed, latched,
and locked. However, if not detected and corrected, this cracking could
lead to MDCD undamped free fall from the open position during MDCD
operations or during cargo loading/off-loading, resulting in injury to
people on the ground.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require an operational limitation
to the MDCD opening angle, repetitive DET of the MDCD actuator bearing
fittings, and replacement if any cracks are found, as specified in EASA
AD 2024-0092R1.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2024-2556.
The FAA issued a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM)
to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain
Airbus SAS Model A300 series, A300-600 series, and A310 series
airplanes. The SNPRM was published in the Federal
[[Page 46339]]
Register on May 6, 2025 (90 FR 19160). The SNPRM was prompted by the
FAA's determination that the applicability must be revised to add
airplanes. In the SNPRM, the FAA proposed to require the same actions
as those proposed in the NPRM, but with a broader applicability that
includes airplanes modified in accordance with certain FAA supplemental
type certificates. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from FedEx Express who supported the
SNPRM and had an additional comment.
Request To Allow Changes to Operator's Internal Manuals To Comply With
Operational Limitation Requirements
FedEx Express requested that the FAA approve operator changes in
their internal manuals to keep door operations limited to 70 degrees to
comply with the proposed AD's operational limitation requirements.
The FAA notes that this AD does not specify how operators must
comply with the operational limitation. Therefore, operators may change
their internal manuals such that the airplane is operated as specified
in this AD. The FAA has not changed this AD in this regard.
Conclusion
These products have been approved by the civil aviation authority
of another country and are approved for operation in the United States.
Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design
Authority, that authority has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition
described in the MCAI referenced above. The FAA reviewed the relevant
data, considered any comments received, and determined that air safety
requires adopting this AD as proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. Except for
minor editorial changes, this AD is adopted as proposed in the SNPRM.
None of the changes will increase the economic burden on any operator.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2024-0092R1, which specifies procedures
for an operational limitation to the MDCD opening angle, repetitive DET
of the MDCD actuator bearing fittings, and replacement of both MDCD
actuator bearing fittings if any crack is found on any MDCD actuator
bearing fitting.
This material is reasonably available because the interested
parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by
the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.
Interim Action
The FAA considers that this AD is an interim action. If final
action is later identified, the FAA might consider further rulemaking
then.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 243 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85............................. $0 $85 $20,655
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition actions that would be required based on the results of any
required actions. The FAA has no way of determining the number of
airplanes that might need this on-condition action:
Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
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Cost per
Labor cost Parts cost product
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500 work-hours x $85 per hour = $34,600 $77,100
$42,500..............................
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Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.
Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight
of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for
practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary
for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that
authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to
exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States,
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
[[Page 46340]]
The Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
2025-19-06 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-23146; Docket No. FAA-2024-2556;
Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00247-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective October 31, 2025.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the Airbus SAS airplanes identified in
paragraphs (c)(1) through (6) of this AD, certified in any category,
manufactured in freighter model configuration, or modified in
accordance with supplemental type certificate (STC) ST00177LA-D, STC
ST00178LA-D, STC ST01431NY, or STC ST00100NY.
(1) Model A300 B4-2C, B4-103, and B4-203 airplanes.
(2) Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, and B4-622 airplanes.
(3) Model A300 B4-605R and B4-622R airplanes.
(4) Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes.
(5) Model A300 F4-605R and F4-622R airplanes.
(6) Model A310-203, -204, -221, -222, -304, -322, -324, and -325
airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 52, Doors.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by investigations that found cracks on the
main deck cargo door (MDCD) actuator bearing fitting caused by
fatigue. The FAA is issuing this AD to address potential cracking of
the MDCD actuator bearing fittings. The unsafe condition, if not
addressed, could lead to MDCD undamped free fall from open position
during MDCD operations or during cargo loading/off-loading,
resulting in injury to people on the ground.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD: Comply
with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
2024-0092R1, dated July 10, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-0092R1).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2024-0092R1
(1) Where EASA AD 2024-0092R1 refers to April 26, 2024 (the
effective date of the original issue of EASA AD 2024-0092R1), this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2024-0092R1.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0092R1
specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD
does not include that requirement.
(j) Additional AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, AIR-
520, Continued Operational Safety Branch, FAA, has the authority to
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found
in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request
to your principal inspector or responsible Flight Standards Office,
as appropriate. If sending information directly to the Manager,
Continued Operational Safety Branch, send it to the attention of the
person identified in paragraph (k) of this AD and email to:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#2465696b67644245450a434b52"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="51101c1e12113730307f363e27">[email protected]</span></a>. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your
appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector,
the manager of the responsible Flight Standards Office.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD
to obtain instructions from a manufacturer, the instructions must be
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, AIR-520,
Continued Operational Safety Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus SAS's
EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the
approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.
(3) Required for Compliance (RC): Except as required by
paragraph (j)(2) of this AD, if any material referenced in EASA AD
2024-0092R1 contains paragraphs that are labeled as RC, the
instructions in RC paragraphs, including subparagraphs under an RC
paragraph, must be done to comply with this AD; any paragraphs,
including subparagraphs under those paragraphs, that are not
identified as RC are recommended. The instructions in paragraphs,
including subparagraphs under those paragraphs, not identified as RC
may be deviated from using accepted methods in accordance with the
operator's maintenance or inspection program without obtaining
approval of an AMOC, provided the instructions identified as RC can
be done and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy condition.
Any substitutions or changes to instructions identified as RC
require approval of an AMOC.
(k) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Joshua Y. Baek,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA
98198; phone: 562-627-6725; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#dfb5b0acb7aabef1a6f1bdbebab49fb9bebef1b8b0a9"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7d17120e15081c5304531f1c18163d1b1c1c531a120b">[email protected]</span></a>.
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of the material listed in this paragraph
under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions
required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2024-0092R1,
dated July 10, 2024.
(ii) [Reserved].
(3) For EASA material identified in this AD, contact EASA,
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221
8999 000; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#abeaefd8ebcecad8ca85ceded9c4dbca85cede"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f9b8bd8ab99c988a98d79c8c8b968998d79c8c">[email protected]</span></a>. You may find this material on
the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
(4) You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St.,
Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material
at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.
(5) You may view this material at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability
of this material at NARA, visit <a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations</a> or email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#9ff9edb1f6f1eceffafcebf6f0f1dff1feedfeb1f8f0e9"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a7c1d589cec9d4d7c2c4d3cec8c9e7c9c6d5c689c0c8d1">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on September 12, 2025.
Peter A. White,
Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-18761 Filed 9-25-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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